Saturday, March 28, 2009

Maybe, you should practice...

"Maybe, you should practice..."

It was a kind suggestion, meant to be encouraging and innovative, coming from the Trumpet player about my age who was leading the woodwind group. And I was in the back. Tinker-toys and tambourines surrounding me. If I knew what I was doing, I would look impressive. Cymbal, Gong, Mallet, other Mallets, Triangle (ah, the Triangle). At first glance, I'm almost convincing.

But then there's the new instrument, propped on the stand, between me and the other stand holding the pieces of paper that should be telling me what I should be doing.

Don't get me wrong. My Triangle nowadays isn't half bad, and my finger-cymbals are improving. But the bongos. I shouldn't touch the bongos with a ten-foot pole, least of all with my novice, unsteady palms. The nine year old on the xylophone to my right would school me for sure. For sure.

The score for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon looked like the heart monitor for a recently-revived ER patient. I couldn't make sense of it at all. Some one resuscitate me; my hands aren't moving.

I mean this was Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon! THE Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon! The same one I saw performed just two months earlier. The one with the big orchestra, and the rocks and THE GUY. He probably could hear me butcher his bongos.

We're not even going to talk about my work on Under the Sea.

They haven't told me yet, but I have an inkling suspicion that in a matter of weeks, they will tell me I have another performance in a matter of weeks.

Maybe you should practice. I wanted to slap him across his trumpet blowing cheeks.

I didn't.

Want to slap him, that is. He was right. I would quite enjoy adding "bongo player for Crouching Tiger Score" to my expat-brewed Resume. We'll see. Changing Habits, right?

Anyways, I've had these videos for awhile. I guess now's as good a time as ever to post them. This is the result of my not-practicing (much) last semester. I think, at the time, my strategy was to play low-key-like and maybe no one would notice me. The 4-angle camera shoot proved me wrong there. Thanks guys. Pick on the big awkward white guy. Easy target.

Don't listen too hard... and try to look away some when you watch. kay, thanks.

About Me

I believe life is about a Journey, not a Destination.
I believe balance is essential.
I believe to Live with Excellence is the best way to live.
And I'm learning how to do that.
Want to join me along the road? I welcome your company, companionship and conversation.